Water
Your patrol will require water for drinking, cooking, and cleanup-several gallons a day for each Scout. Public water supplies are safest. Water taken - from streams, rivers, or lakes must be purified before use. Camping in dry regions can be rewarding, though you might have to carry water to your site. (For information on purifying water, see page 256 .)

Terrain
Does the site slope gently for good drainage? Leaves, pine needles, and other natural cover can keep the ground from becoming muddy. An area open to the east and south will catch sunlight early in the day and perhaps be drier than slopes facing north.

Stoves and Campfires
Where fires are permitted, look for a site with an existing fire ring and a good supply of dead twigs and fallen branches. If fires are not allowed, wood is scarce, or you don't want to spend much time preparing meals, use a lightweight camp stove to heat your water and cook your food. (For more on stoves and campfires, see pages 248-255.)

Privacy
Respect the privacy of others. Trees, bushes, and some forms of terrain can screen your camp from trails and neighboring campsites. When other campers are staying nearby, keep the noise down. Permission Get permission from owners before camping on private property. Check well ahead of time with land managers of public parks, forests, and reserves. They can issue any permits you need, and might suggest how you can make the most of your campout.